Travel Guide

Full Name

The City of New York

Former Name

Government Type

Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic tradition

Area Size

The city's land area is 831.4 km².

Time Zone

UTC/GMT -5 hours

Climate

Although located at about the same latitude as the much warmer European cities of Naples and Madrid, New York has a humid continental climate resulting from prevailing wind patterns that bring cool air from the interior of the North American continent. The city's coastal position keeps temperatures relatively warmer than inland regions during winter, helping to moderate the amount of snow which averages 63.5 to 88.9 cm each year. New York City has a frost-free period lasting an average of 199 days between seasonal freezes. Spring and Fall in New York City are erratic, and can range from cold and snowy to hot and humid, although they can also be cold or cool and rainy. Summer in New York City is very warm and humid, with temperatures of 32°C or higher recorded on average 18 to 25 days each summer.

Geography

New York City is located in the Northeastern United States, in southeastern New York State, approximately half way between Washington, D.C. and Boston. The location at the mouth of the Hudson River, which feeds into a naturally sheltered harbor and then into the Atlantic Ocean, has helped the city grow in significance as a trading city. Much of New York is built on the three islands of Manhattan, Staten Island, and western Long Island, making land scarce and encouraging a high population density.

Languages

English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European 3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% (2000 census)

Culture

From the bright lights of Broadway to the revered stages at the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, from the high kicks of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall to the cutting-edge works performed at BAM, New York City continues to be one of the most diverse and heavily textured urban cultural centres in the world. As author Tom Wolfe wrote: 'Culture just seems to be in the air, like part of the weather.'

History

The region was inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans at the time of its European discovery in 1524 by Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer in the service of the French crown, who called it "Nouvelle Angoulême" (New Angoulême). European settlement began with the founding of a Dutch fur trading settlement, later called "New Amsterdam," on the southern tip of Manhattan in 1614. Dutch colonial Director-General Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan from the Canarsie Native Americans in 1626 (legend, now disproved, says that Manhattan was purchased for $24 worth of glass beads). In 1664, the British conquered the city and renamed it "New York" after the English Duke of York and Albany. New York City grew in importance as a trading port while under British rule. In 1754, Columbia University was founded under charter by King George II as King's College in Lower Manhattan. The city emerged as the theater for a series of major battles known as the New York Campaign during the American Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress met in New York City and in 1789 the first President of the United States, George Washington, was inaugurated at Federal Hall on Wall Street. New York City was the capital of the United States until 1790.

Travel Information

John F Kennedy International (JFK) is located in Queens, 24km southeast of midtown Manhattan (journey time – 55 minutes). For transport into the city, a free Airport Shuttle Bus takes travellers to Howard Beach Station; from there, a subway connection on the ‘A’ train takes approximately 90 minutes to central Manhattan. The AirTrain light rail system also connects the airport with Howard Beach Station, as well as Jamaica Station (for the Long Island Railroad and the 'E' and 'J/Z' subway trains). The New York Airport Service Express Bus, is offered by New York Airport Service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (Manhattan West Side) or Grand Central Station (Manhattan East Side). Airlink operates a shared minibus service on demand 24 hours a day, which goes anywhere between Battery Park and 125th Street. SuperShuttle Manhattan, available on demand 24 hours a day, is a shared door-to-door service going anywhere between Battery Park and 227th Street. Taxis are also available. Travellers are advised not to travel with a taxi driver who approaches them first. Always find out the standard rate as unscrupulous drivers may overcharge. Uniformed taxi dispatchers (recommended) are available during peak hours and provide information on fares. Facilities: Bank, car hire, and currency exchange. La Guardia (LGA) is located in Queens, 13km east of midtown Manhattan (journey time – 30 to 45 minutes). For transport into the city, the M60 MTA bus goes over Triborough Bridge and intersects with all subway lines as it crosses to the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The Staten Island Ferry (departing from Battery Park) operates between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island. The Circle Line Ferry (departing from Battery Park) sails to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises provide guided tours around Manhattan Island and along the Hudson River. Frequent ferry services also run from Manhattan to Brooklyn, New Jersey and Queens. Public transport (buses and subway) in New York is run by Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) - New York City Transit, whose services are cheaper and more efficient than those of the private companies also operating.The New York City subway is fast, air conditioned, cheap and runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Express trains run between major stops and local trains stop at every station. Bus services are extensive and are run mostly by MTA New York City Transit. Three-quarters of the city's buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts at the rear door.The standard yellow cab is metered and reasonably cheap. There is no charge for extra passengers, but there is surcharge between 2000 and 0600. Horse-drawn carriages line up at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, just outside the Plaza Hotel. All the major national car hire companies are represented in New York City and many have offices at the city's airports.

Accommodation

Even though new hotels have been popping up all over the place, occupancy rates have dropped only slightly in New York, mainly because the newer venues are usually at the top of the range. The slow season for the boutique and the high end hotels is in the summer. To get a good deal, visitors should reserve as far ahead as possible. It is a good idea to check out the Internet, as hotels often post specials there that they will not mention over the phone.

Visa Requirements

Visas not required by nationals of the EU, Australia and Canada except the following: nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa. Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time. Apply to Embassy or consulate. Valid passport required by all nationals of countries referred to above; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy. For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program, passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry. All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa. Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page. New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008.

Getting Around

New York's public transport system is relatively good and cheap, including buses and the subway. There are also the ever-present, although more expensive, yellow cabs. Unlicensed gypsy cabs should be avoided. It is possible to get around the city using a combination of these, or simply on foot. Walking is often the best way to experience the city, and during rush hours, when buses and taxis are caught up in the gridlock and the subway is overcrowded or delayed, it can also be the fastest way to get around. Generally though, the most efficient way to get around is the 24-hour underground system with most of Manhattan's sights near subway stations, although it can be confusing at first. Much simpler but slower, is the bus system, which is a good option for shorter distances or for travelling across town. The subway and bus fare are standard ($2); note that buses require the exact change in coins, not dollar bills. MetroCards allow free transfer between buses and the subway within two hours. Driving in New York is not recommended as traffic is heavy, drivers aggressive and parking exorbitant.

Health & Safety

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened particularly at airports. Following the counter terrorist operation in the UK on 10 August 2006, the terror alert status on all flights was raised, particularly on those originating in the UK. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Forecasting teams in the USA have predicted an increase in hurricane activity in the Atlantic for 2007, between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US, at higher risk than usual.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 15 Jan - Martin Luther King Day. 19 Feb - Presidents’ Day. 28 May - Memorial Day. 4 Jul - Independence Day. 3 Sep - Labor Day. 8 Oct - Columbus Day. 12 Nov - Veterans' Day. 22 Nov - Thanksgiving Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Electricity

110-120 volts, 60Hz

Working Hours

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm.

Emergency Numbers

911